Warning to parents after suspected arson incidents

Parents are being encouraged to "have a conversation" with their children

Police have issued a warning to parents following a number of incidents of suspected arson.

Several fires were set in the Currock and Upperby areas of Carlisle overnight on Saturday, and it is believed children were responsible.

In a post on social media, the Carlisle Police said that acts of setting fires carried a high risk of harm to both those carrying them out and members of the public.

Parents should "have a conversation" with any child who comes home smelling of smoke, the force said.

The statement read: "Officers from your local neighbourhood teams will be out in these areas in marked vehicles and plain clothes to provide reassurance to local residents.

"When identified those responsible face substantial sanctions,

"Parents, if your child is returning home smelling of smoke you must have a conversation around the risks associated with this behaviour before your child's actions impact you or worse."